We are all familiar with the benefits of drinking water and the dangers of being dehydrated. But did you know that as soon as you feel thirst, you are already dehydrated? 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated!
You should always have at least 2 glasses of HOT to WARM water right after waking up! This is coming directly from my Chinese doctor, Lily. She says it is NEVER good to drink ice cold water, even in warm weather, because it solidifies the food/fat in your stomach. It also shocks your stomach and makes it “freeze up.” It causes chi (energy) stagnation because it puts out your digestive fire and the warm life energy that flows through your body. Lily says that she believes one of the many reasons why Americans are so obese is because everywhere you go, people drink and serve cold liquids as the norm. She finds it very strange and counterproductive that we serve water, teas, sodas, along with almost all of our beverages on ice. Think of healthier countries – China, Japan, and all over Europe. They drink lots of tea!
Drinking water on an empty stomach in the morning helps with constipation. It encourages the flushing of the colon, which removes MANY toxins and helps the body to absorb nutrients. Dr. Christopher, famous American herbalist has always said “constipation is the root of all disease.” Drinking water as soon as you wake up also activates all of your internal organs. It wakes them up and increases the production of new blood and muscle cells. It also balances your pH and lymph system, which includes all the glands that control every function and hormone in your body.
So, every day I have been waking up and drinking a 32 oz. mason jar of hot water. Most days I will add apple cider vinegar and lemon to it. 30 minutes after that, once my body is awake from the water, I take Vitamin C & a probiotic (I don’t take a multivitamin yet because I’m still undergoing NAET vitamin allergy treatments). I want to make sure I’m taking my Vitamin C with the BEST possible drink to allow my body to digest it. So, I did a little research.
Did you know that your absorption of Vitamin C is increased by 200% when you take it with Aloe Vera gel?
Aloe Vera is amazing. It is full of calcium, potassium, and B vitamins. Taking it daily will improve vision, balance blood sugar, and clean the lung, kidneys, stomach, bladder in more. In honor of this amazing plant, I bring you: Homemade Strawberry Lime Aloe Water! Hydrating and nourishing. Amazing for detoxing and increasing absorption of vitamins and nutrients in food or supplements. It also contains apple cider vinegar for tons of added benefits.
Ingredients:
– glass of water (I used a 16oz mason jar. Try to drink this at room temperature, since cold drinks can cause stagnation in the body.)
– 6 tsp. aloe vera gel
– juice of 2 limes
– 15 drops liquid stevia
– 1 tsp. apple cider vinegar
– lime & strawberry fruit slices
